A number of funeral homes now offer to put together a video photomontage set to music. It can be shown at the service and used as part of a memorial display at the reception. This is also something you can do yourself.
You’ll need a wide variety of images that cover the span of the person’s life – plan on collecting 50 to 60 images for a four-minute presentation. A few tips for preparing a moving photomontage:
- Assemble images in chronological order, from infancy, to youth, to oldest age.
- Do not go back in time with the images once you have passed a certain stage – it interrupts the flow of the image narrative.
- Try to present a balanced number of images for each phase of life.
- Use shots that reflect the person’s personality and activities – not just “standing in front of a house” images.
- If including end-of-life photos, be judicious – it’s not their best-looking time.
- Choose a song or music that has meaning for the family or the deceased.
- Keep the presentation within five minutes – any longer, attention may wander.
If your audience is moved to tears by the end, you know you’ve created a loving, meaningful photomontage.